The Commissioner of Police in Lagos State, Tijani Fatai, has reiterated that police officers on lawful duty must not search citizens’ mobile phones, while affirming that members of the public are free to record police operations.
Speaking on public accountability and police conduct, Fatai stressed that transparency remains a key part of policing in the state, adding that officers should have no fear of being filmed while performing their duties.
“I want you to know that what we are doing is the right thing. We are not entertaining any fear of anybody recording us. You can record us… anybody can record any police officer at his duty post as long as he is doing the right thing,” he said.
He added that accountability applies to both officers and civilians, noting that recording police activities is permitted provided officers are carrying out lawful duties.
Fatai also clarified that operatives have been instructed not to search citizens’ phones during stop-and-check operations, emphasizing that their focus is strictly on vehicle inspections and public safety.
“Our men have been warned not to search any phone from any individual. We are there to search vehicles… to ensure passengers are in the right vehicle and not falling victim to criminals,” he explained.
According to him, the directive is aimed at preventing abuse of privacy while strengthening security on Lagos roads, particularly in identifying and stopping criminal activities involving fake or unsafe transport arrangements.
The police chief reaffirmed that officers have been directed to adhere strictly to these guidelines, stressing that their primary responsibility is the protection of lives and maintenance of order across the state.
Elijah Adeyemi
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